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Marie-Louise Lochhead
1927-2004
Marie-Louise "Nina" Lochhead passed away on Jan. 2, 2004, in the University Hospital in Edmonton at the age of 77 years.
Nina was a long time resident of High Prairie where she taught school from 1973 until her retirement in 1988. She farmed with her husband Lawrie until 1999 when they sold their farm in the Gilwood area and moved into town.
Nina was born in Brussels, Belgium and moved to southern Alberta with her family at a very young age. She married Lawrence Lochhead on Dec. 27, 1947, and the couple had seven children.
She is survived by: her husband, Lawrie; sons Stuart (Christine) of Edmonton, Randy (Anne) of Calgary, and Russell (Thelma) of High Prairie; daughters Rosemarie (Frank) Korol of High Prairie, Patricia (Ronald) Malone of St. Paul, Theresa (Gordon) Harris of Wetaskiwin, and Laura (Bernie) Poloz of High Prairie; 17 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
Nina was predeceased by: her sister, Martha (Harold) Pallister of Millarville.
A beautiful service to celebrate Nina's life was held at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in High Prairie with the Anglican Church Archbishop John Clark officiating. Gerald Ingeveld and Judi Malone complemented their eulogy with a Power Point presentation depicting the history of a wonderful life. Soloist Cheryl Howells performed "Ava Maria" and "Amazing Grace". Pianist Marilyn Stewart led the congregation in "The Old Rugged Cross", "The Church in the Wildwood" and "Beyond the Sunset". There were two readings, one by Nina's grandson Jerry Landry and the second by granddaughter Sunny Poloz.
The family enjoyed the fellowship of friends and family over lunch provided by the Anglican Church women.
Stella Wolfe
1941-2005
On Jan. 20, 2005, Stella Wolfe, a resident of Rycroft and formerly of High Prairie, passed away in Spirit River, Alta. at the age of 64 years.
The funeral was held from St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in High Prairie Jan 27 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Roy Dickson officiating. Interment followed at St. Mark's Anglican Church Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the charity of one's choice as an expression of sympathy.
Tyra Elisabet Nyberg
1921-2005
Tyra Elisabet Nyberg was born to Karl and Tekla Viklund in Alvsbyn, Sweden on March 25, 1921. She emigrated to Canada with her family in 1929 and settled in Deer Ridge, Sask.
On her 18th birthday she married Sten Nyberg, whose family had also settled in the Scandinavian community. They began their marriage on a quarter of land where they hoped to make a successful living farming. In the winter months they both worked at logging camps. Tyra started by being a cook's helper. She eventually became the cook, the cleaner, the teacher, the bookkeeper, first aid attendant, and lumber scaler, not to mention keeping the wood fires going and raising five children, all at the same time. Hard work was always a part of Tyra's life.
In August of 1947 Tyra and Sten pulled up stakes and moved to the High Prairie area. Again, cooking and keeping books for their lumber business. They filed for a homestead in the Smokey River area and made it their home. A few years later the family purchased raw land across the Smokey River, in what is now known as Alder Ridge. Not many people know that Tyra is the person who gave that area its name "Alder Ridge". After the many moves she had made in her lifetime thus far, Alder Ridge was truly home. This is where she enjoyed her bountiful gardens and beautiful flowers.
Through the winter months Tyra enjoyed cross-country skiing and hobbies such as knitting, sewing, wood working and making paper tole pictures. This work is proudly displayed in her family and friend's homes.
In 1977, after the passing of Sten, Tyra left the farm and moved into High Prairie. Never one to be idle, she enjoyed working at the Northern Lites, Villa Motel and the SAAN store.
Tyra loved to travel and enjoyed many bus tours to various locations with friends. Tyra was also an avid bowler and did very well considering her poor eyesight in later years and from time to time was thrilled to be the "Bowler of the Week". Just two weeks prior to her passing, Tyra had the top bowling score when the residents of Pleasantview Lodge went bowling at Enilda.
Only one year ago she sold her home and took up residence in the Pleasantview Lodge. While living at the lodge she continued to be active, participating in the daily exercise group. This past summer Tyra loved attending the noon hour senior's water aerobics at the pool. Along with other residents Tyra went on the "Alaskan Walk" - walking many kilometers in and around the lodge.
Tyra was nicely settling into the routine around the lodge when, sadly, her health began to deteriorate. On Jan. 1 Tyra was admitted to the hospital where she suffered from a heart attack and on Jan. 3 she peacefully passed away with her family at her side.
Tyra leaves to mourn: her children; Esther (Alan) Barnes, Judy (Richard) Helgeson, Henry (Fern) Nyberg, Cliff (Jeanette) Nyberg, Val (Rick) Fisher; her grandchildren, Debbie (Mark) Missal, Darryl Barnes, Joanne Humsten, Sheldon Nyberg, Shannon (Lance) Mulhavill, Trevor Nyberg, Jennifer Nyberg, Steven Nyberg, Lana Fisher, Curtis Fisher; six great-grandchildren; two sisters and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was held Jan. 8 at the High Prairie United Church.
Terry R. Anderson
1920-2008
Terry R. Anderson, beloved husband of Joyce Anderson, of Medicine Hat, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family March 6, 2008, at the age of 88 years. Terry was born Jan. 1, 1920 in Sweden. At the age of five, he immigrated to Canada with his family where they set up farming in Fallun, Alta. Terry always cherished the memories of his farming years. He volunteered to serve his country in the Navy from 1943-46 and was fondly known by his friends as the sailor boy. In 1946, Terry married his soul mate and the love of his life, Joyce, in Edmonton. They had just celebrated their 62 anniversary Feb. 14. Terry and his family moved to Peace River in 1948 to start a plumbing business and in 1953 expanded the business to High Prairie. During their time in High Prairie, Terry spent many years on the town council and four years as mayor. He accepted the position as Plumbing Inspector for the Provincial Government in 1975 and soon afterwards transferred to Red Deer where he retired in 1985. Terry and Joyce moved to Medicine Hat in 2005. He loved golfing, carpentry, renovating, flirting and blackjack for which he wrote a book called ‘Terry’s Tips’. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family and friends. Terry leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Joyce; four children, Beverly Anderson of Medicine Hat, Douglas (Karen) Anderson of Spruce Grove, Ronald (Marion) Anderson of Fort McMurray and Glenda (Jim) Groom of Medicine Hat; nine grandchildren, Kristi, Karla, Bobbi, Gary, Jamie, Adrienne, Brittany, Rory and Riley; three great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Kye and Nya; one brother, Ralph (Vi) Anderson of Valleyview; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Rudolf and Elvira Anderson; and two sisters, Vera Thomson and Rosie Kraus. Terry’s funeral will be held in Lone Ridge Hall, west of Wetaskiwin, at 1 p.m. A private interment will take place in the family plot at Wetaskiwin Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, those wishing to remember Terry Anderson may do so with a gift to the Medicine Hat Palliative Care Society, 666-5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Ala., T1A 4H6.
Athen Mary Daigneaul-Cardinal
1986-2005
Athena Mary Daigneault-Cardinal, or Nana, passed away on June 24, 2005, at Grouard at the age of nine years.
She will be sadly missed by: her loving mother, Misty; her father, Lawrence; her little brother, Lawrence; her caring Kokums, Judy Giroux and Barbara Durocher; her special aunt, Tracy; her uncle Allan (Jr); her first cousins Barbara, Matthew, Mitchel, Lionel, Dominic and Arianna, as well as a large extended family.
Nana was predeceased by: her paternal grandfather, Allan Cardinal; her aunt, Wanda Daigneault; and her infant cousin, Dimitri Skywalker.
A wake and funeral services were held at the Kapawe'no band hall in Grouard on June 28.
Memorial donations may be made to the Stollery Childrens Hospital Foundation, Fourth Floor Aberhart Centre 1, 11402 University Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alta., T6J 2J3.
Nana's weary hours and days of pain, her troubles nights are past, and in our aching hearts we know that she has found sweet rest at last.
Avery Jones
1990 - 2006
St. Andrew’s student remembered for special qualities
Eulogy by Al Baird
Today started like most other Thursdays. I had to go to work like I do everyday. I read all my E-mails and answered all my calls. Many tasks were performed today as they are on every other day at work. No one expected a week ago that we would be gathered to mourn the passing of Avery Jones. March 23, 2006 will be like no other Thursday to come. Today we say goodbye to Avery Jones.
On Feb. 12, 1990, Avery Brigham Jones was born to Mike and Leslie Jones. They were so happy. Avery grew to be a kind and loving person.
Avery attended St. Andrew’s School from kindergarten to Grade 10. Like most, he was not always overly eager to study but he did. His marks were good and he loved being at school every day. He loved his friends, he loved games, music and, of course, he loved all of the teachers. It feels as though a light has gone out in our school and has been replaced with emptiness. Many smiles have been discarded and replaced with tears.
Sadness lives strong in many of us. We will not see Avery again. Friends will not run into him at his locker, sit with him in class or work with him on assignments. Teachers wilt no longer see his face in the classroom eager to learn.
Kids like Avery are the reason we are there. It is a terrible blow, not only to us, but to all the hearts that Avery had yet to touch. Avery’s light was no ordinary light. He let his light shine. It illuminated everything that he touched. We all thought there was so much more for him to do. We never thought that he had already completed his task. But now, his being with us in spirit only is a reality we must learn to cherish.
Avery worked at the IGA, only for a short time. Three to four weeks was plenty of time to discover that allowance is a great thing. Even if it is not a huge amount, he could manage without having to work.
Avery was a world traveler, or at least aspired to be one. His Uncle Bruce worked in South America and his uncle George lives in Australia. Both are here today. He had already conquered great distances by visiting Shaw’s Point, Triangle, Sunset House and Alder Ridge. Now Avery was very psyched at the thought of visiting one of those far off places that his uncles had conquered.
Weekends were made for sleeping, video games and maybe making music. He was the master of the X-Box and played the bass guitar. His friends and he often attempted to play and write songs although most times they were sidetracked by something.
Only through these experiences of success and defeat can a person be strengthened. Avery developed character and was strong. It is not the length of his life, but the depth of it that is important.
If I had to select one word to describe Avery Jones, the word would be ‘Avery’. Avery is not just a name, it’s a descriptive adjective, it’s an attitude and a presence, it’s pride, it’s friends and it’s family. It’s all the things a student, a friend, a brother, and a son should be.
Laughing was important to Avery. He had a knack for getting others to laugh. It was not always at the appropriate time. Even when they all knew that someone may get into trouble someone would wind up laughing. I’m sure that he would have us trade this week’s tears for laughter if he were here.
Avery Jones was special. In all the world there’s nobody like him. Since the beginning of time, there has never been another person quite the same. Nobody has his smile. Nobody has his eyes, his voice or his hair.
My God, his hair! Long and straight. Short and spiky. And the newest style – large, very large. Only a week ago I told him how awesome it looked. You should never get another haircut. I knew Mike and Les would hear that when it got to the point that he needed one.
Nobody anywhere has his tastes for food or music. No one sees things just as he did. There’s no one who laughed like him, no one who cried like him. No one reacted to situations just as Avery would react. He was unique. He was the only one in all of creation who had his specific set of abilities.
There will always be somebody who is better at the things Avery was good at, but no one can reach the quality of his combination of talents, ideas, abilities and feelings. Like a room full of musical instruments, some may excel alone, but none can match the sound when all are played together. Avery was the whole band. No one will ever look, talk, walk, think, or do like him. He was rare. He did not need to be in the limelight. He did not need to imitate others. He accepted and celebrated his differences.
It’s no accident that we were able to share in the life of Avery Jones. He was here for a very special purpose. A job for him to do that no one else could have done nearly as well as he did. Out of all the billions of available people, only Avery was qualified, only he had the combination of what it took.
Mike, Leslie, Steven, Kelby and their family would like to thank all of Avery’s friends and teachers, who became a part of his life. They are forever grateful to all who gave him happiness and love for the short time that he was with us. Thank you all for your support through the Jones’ time of grief.
Once A Saint Always A Saint!
William James Babcock
1918 - 2007
On July 9, 2007, William James Babcock passed away peacefully in the High Prairie Hospital at the age of 89 years. Bill was born on June 12, 1918 in Maple Creek, Sask. His family lived in Red Deer until 1929 when they moved to Salt Prairie. Bill finished his schooling in the log school house in Salt Prairie completing the eighth grade. It was then necessary for him to go out to work. He worked for $7 per month in Salt Prairie, and later went on to work in High Prairie for a huge increase of $1 per day. Bill filed for a homestead in Salt Prairie in 1937. Soon afterward, the war broke out. He and his brother, Lewis, enlisted in High Prairie. After training in Canada, they went overseas. They spent some time in England before sailing for Italy in November 1943. In that time Bill and Lewis were joined by their oldest brother, Nathaniel. All three were in the same platoon and never separated. They spent time in Rouseliers, Belgium and moved up into Holland by way of Nipmeger, Arnham, Enschede, Groningen, Assen, Eerdeek and Appledoorn. Bill spent time in many places in Holland. While being stationed in Enschede for a while, he met the love of his life, Maria (Mary) Ridderholf. Mary could not speak English when they met, so Bill quickly learned some Dutch. They enjoyed life while he was there, dancing three or four times a week. On Dec. 22, 1945 Bill and Mary were married in the Town Hall in Enschede. Bill left for Canada late in January 1946. He arrived in Canada in February 1946 on the Aquatania. Mary stayed in Holland until October 1946 and then made her journey to Canada aboard the Lady Nelson. In November of 1947 Bill and Mary were blessed with their first child, Nancy. Two years later they welcomed the birth of their second child, James, in November 1949. Throughout the years Bill chose to remember, and share with his friends and family, the good times that he had in the war. Even though it is certain it was not all good times and laughter, he looked back on the years of the war as the best years of his life, often joking that he’d like to thank Hitler for his part in taking him overseas because he met his lovely wife there. There were very few times that one would visit Bill and not hear a good old story. He was an amazing storyteller and often had all of his grandchildren surrounding the foot of his chair to hear what he would come up with next. He talked about all the different places he got to see, the laughter shared with friends, dancing so much he had to get his shoes resoled twice in a short time and the courtship of his wife. We never got tired of hearing his wonderful stories. Even though we had heard some of his stories a hundred times over, as time went on the stories seemed to get funnier. He’d remember something else, or tell it in a different way. He had a way with stories. Bill had many different jobs over his lifetime, including sawyer, millwright, welder, farmer, cooking in oilfield camps and log hauling. But he was probably best known for operating the grader, where he was always willing to go the “extra mile”. Bill enjoyed playing the fiddle, and played for many dances around the area. He also enjoyed woodworking, building windmills and wishing wells. He was also an excellent welder and was always looking for something new to create or modify. He often said the only thing he couldn’t fix was a broken heart and even then he would give it a try. He was known by all as hardworking, honest, kind, a good neighbour, a good friend and an excellent family man. He showed all of us the importance of family and a hard day’s work. In turn, we looked up to him with the utmost respect. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, always finding time even when he was very busy. He loved to visit with family and friends and everyone was greeted with a warm smile and welcomed into his home. He was our hero, not only our war hero, but an example of a great man. Bill is survived by: his loving wife, Mary; his two children, Nancy and James (Agnes); six grandchildren, James Junior (Jamie), Apryl (Lorne), Leslie (Gina), Kristel (Flarry), Virgil (Carla) and Valene
Clara Badger
1928 - 2007
A beautiful life came to an end when our dear mother, Clara Badger, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Nov. 3, 2007. She was only 79 years old. Mother was a wonderful, kind and caring woman who enjoyed life and truly loved her family. She welcomed people into her family and home with open arms. She made sure that everyone who came for a visit had something to eat and enjoy a cup of tea with her. From the moment she met you, she was a friend. But, of all the things she enjoyed, spending time with her family and friends was most important. In her better years, Mom always cooked Sunday dinner for all of us, her children. Mom will be fondly remembered for her gentle caring manner, soft words spoken, warm and wonderful smile, good hugs, abundant love, solid advice and words of wisdom. She will be dearly missed by her children: Theresa, Jim (Tiffany), Joyce, Charles, Rita and Wayne (Sue), as well as 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and many, many friends. Mother was predeceased by: our baby sister, Donna; our father, Pete; our Uncle Clarence and our grandparents, James and Amelia. Her presence is gone but her memory will be with us forever. And as she would always say, “I love you, too!”
June Badiuk
1921 - 2008
June Badiuk was born in August 1921 in her grandmother’s upstairs bedroom and passed away peacefully at Cottonwood Hospice in Kelowna, B.C. on the evening of March 7, 2008 at the age of 86 years. Her parents, Allen and Bernice Mercer, farmed in the Clairmont area near Grande Prairie, where she was raised. She graduated, then met and married William Badiuk in 1942. They moved to High Prairie in 1945 where she resided until July 2007. June raised two daughters and volunteered at the town library and museum. Together, with her husband Bill, they ran Bill’s Sporting Goods for 12 years. June was an avid gardener, an enthusiastic painter and an excellent seamstress. She filled her days doing all three passions. She also took several photography classes and excelled at that pastime. After living in High Prairie for 62 years, she moved with her daughter Barbara and son-in-law Pat to Kelowna, B.C. June leaves behind: two daughters, Barbara McCue and husband Pat, of Kelowna; Janis Pratt and husband Tim of Fox Creek; granddaughters Kim Lechelt and partner Randy of Sherwood Park and Terry Park and husband Darryl of Kelowna. She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren including Bradley, Kenneth and Kathleen. She was predeceased by: her husband, Bill, in 1994; and her brother, Burke Mercer, in 1990. Another brother, Grant Mercer, passed away 10 days after June March 17, 2008 in the High Prairie Hospital. June will be greatly missed by all who loved her. No services were held for the late June Badiuk.
Felix Marcel Baptist
1920 - 2008
Felix Marcel Baptist was born to Lawrence and Christine Baptist in Tirthahalli, India, Sept. 4, 1920 and passed away in Edmonton Feb. 10, 2008. His parents moved to Shimoga in 1925 to send their son to Grade 1. He finished high school with a matriculation diploma at age 16 in 1936. He was sent to Bangalore to attend St. Joseph’s College to do his intermediate studies. He also attended St. Mary’s Seminary in hopes of becoming a priest. After two years, he took up studying Latin, in 1938. At age 20, in 1940, he left the seminary and went to work for two years at the Taluk Office in Shimoga as an office clerk. Following this move he decided to go to Mangalore to attend St. Alloyisious College to get his B.A. degree. He came out with flying colours in 1942 and returned home to Shimoga where he went to work in the accounts department in the executive engineer’s office for two years. Felix joined the government high school in 1944 teaching Grades 10-12. On Oct. 8, 1945, Felix married Agnes Domingo, a Manglore beauty selected by his father. They were married until his death 62 years later. Their first born, a girl, came Aug. 3, 1946 and they named her Rita. In 1948, Felix was selected to go for B.Ed in Mysore City’s Teacher’s College for one year. He then was given an Inspector of Schools post in Sagar. Here, Felix and Agnes gave birth to her second child, Jerry. Following Jerry’s birth the family moved to Shikaripur where their third child, Sydney, was born. Here, Felix worked as an Inspector of Schools. In January 1952 Zita was born. This same year he was transferred to a place called Holalur where he stayed for about four years. Claude was born Feb. 24, 1955. It was time to move again, this time to Jog Falls. We didn’t live there for very long. In 1957 Felix moved to the city of Mysore. There he taught Grades 10-12 at Marimallapa’s High School. During this time Agnes gave birth to Oswald. In January 1959 Felix was selected to be a teacher in Debre Marcos, Ethiopia. He made this move without his family. Agnes joined him in May 1959 and the four eldest children were sent to live with their Grandma Domingo in Bombay. Ethiopia was where Agnes gave birth to her seventh child, Anita, April 6, 1960. Felix taught there for five years, after which he got a chance to come to Canada. He was hired by the High Prairie School Division to work as a high school teacher in Slave Lake. After a year there he moved to Faust, in 1964. In August 1964 Agnes collected all the children and joined Felix. Felix completed schooling through summer courses to earn his Alberta B.Ed. program in 1969. In 1970, the Baptist family was complete with the arrival of the youngest, Renita. In 1971 he did educational administration and got his diploma. The same year he built a house in High Prairie and moved there where he taught at Prairie River School. He then went to High Prairie Elementary School and taught Grade 3 until he retired in 1984 at the age of 64. In 2004, because of Felix’s failing health, he and his wife had to sell their home in High Prairie and move to Edmonton. Felix passed away Feb. 10, 2008. He is survived by: his loving wife of 62 years, Agnes; his four sons Jerome, Sydney, Claude, and Oswald; his four daughters Rita (Cliff) Manuel, Zita (Mark) Duchesne, Anita (Jim) Wagner, Renita (Len) Larson; his grandchildren June and Jessica Foulston; Aaron Baptist; Jason (Rachel), Jeremy, Rhonda, and Kristian Duchesne; Christopher Baptist and Sheri Matula; Tara and Brianna Wagner; and Jacqueline, Eric, Brenden and Kieren Larson.
Maria (Mary) Basarab
1915 - 2008
Maria Basarab, better known as Mary, passed away March 23, 2008, at the age of 92 years. Mary was born Sept. 12, 1915, in Stuartburn, Man. She was the third daughter of George and Kathryn Zahara. After living in several eastern towns, Mary’s family decided to settle in Rycroft in 1927. As a child, Mary worked hard on the family farm and completed her schooling in Rycroft in 1930. She then began work with the Northern Alberta Railways in Spirit River. Mary was transferred to High Prairie where she met and married Joe Basarab in 1945. For 46 years, Joe and Mary lived, worked and finally retired in High Prairie. After Joe’s passing in 1991, Mary moved to Potter Villa in Rycroft, Pleasantview Lodge in Spirit River and eventually the Grande Prairie Care Centre. Mary loved playing softball, working in the garden and spending time with her cats. Her family and friends will miss her unique sense of humor and friendly manner. Mary is survived by: her sister Lillian (John) Lazoruk, brother William (Delta) Zahara; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by: her parents, George and Kathryn Zahara; her loving husband, Joe Basarab; brother Emil Zahara; and brothers and sisters-in-law. The funeral was held in the Chapel of Memories in High Prairie March 26. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grande Prairie Care Centre or the SPCA.
Bernice Blacha
? - 2007
Born Bronislawa Krupicz in Vladislavov, Poland to Tomasz and Katarzyna Krupicz, Bernice moved to Canada Sept. 12, 1963 and married Peter Blacha Oct. 18, 1963 in High Prairie. Their only child, Peter Thomas, was born Aug. 29, 1964. In 1964, Bernice and Peter purchased a farm in the Gilwood area and would stay there during the summer. Winters were spent on the trap line in Banana Belt until Peter Jr. started school. Bernice was well known for her beautiful and bountiful garden and sold her produce to people from all over the area as well as the local stores. Bernice is survived by: her loving son, Peter, and wife, Simone, of High Prairie; grandchildren Zofia, Tommy, Megan (Jason), Kayla (Josh), Ricki (Dusty), Sean; great grandchildren Konnor, Ethan and Trystyn. Bernice was predeceased by: her husband Peter Sr., her parents, her brother Aleksander, sister Maria and twin sister Vladyslava. She was laid to rest at the St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Cemetary on Oct. 14, 2007.
Gaston (Gus) Louis Boisson
1927 - 2008
Gaston Louis Boisson, known as Gus to most, but importantly Uncle Gus to many, was born Dec. 17, 1927 to Gaston and Louise Boisson in Saskatchewan. Gus left us March 5, 2008, at the age of 80 after a short illness. Gus was the third born of seven children and grew up with three brothers; Maurice, Rene and Louis and three sisters; Annette, Simone and Marguerite. The first 10 years of Gus’s life was spent living on a farm outside of Kinestino, Sask. However, in 1937 the family packed their bags and made the trek to the High Prairie area where Gus and his siblings grew up. In 1945, at the age of 17, Gus was diagnosed with TB. He spent two years in a TB sanitarium which later became the Edmonton General Hospital. Upon his first arrival at the hospital he was strictly a patient. However, after some time when he began to feel better, Gus took on a position as an orderly to pass time and to earn money. Gus was employed most of his life as a partsman at Ford in High Prairie, then later in Fort St. John, B.C. where he lived for 50 years. Gus never married, but apparently there was one close call. Although never a father himself, Gus loved children and showed his love by taking part in the lives of his nieces and nephews. Gus was a quiet, observant person who would often surprise his nieces and nephews by remembering the personalities and interests of his great nieces and nephews. We don’t know a lot about Gus’s years in Fort St. John, but we do know he was a regular churchgoer and member of the Knights of Columbus. Gus was an avid sportsfan. Following with family tradition, he loyally supported the Montreal Canadiens. He also coached Little League baseball after retiring from playing himself because of a knee injury. He enjoyed fishing and loved picking berries and had many adventures in Jackpines as a result. During Gus’s years in Fort St. John he traveled to High Prairie every Christmas, which is the stem of many fond memories. Upon his arrival, Gus and his brother, Louis, would make their first stop the liquor store where Louis would fill the cart and Gus would pay. There would be many long nights of crib playing where a watchful eye was needed to spot the cheating. Gus is survived by: two sisters, Annette and Marguerite; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is predeceased by: his parents; three brothers, Maurice, Rene and Louis; one sister, Simone; four nephews and two nieces.
